For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts
of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The other day I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I had
recently lost my job. We should have been able to make it and able to
live comfortably on one income. However, we had recently been granted
custody of three grandchildren, in addition to, one we have had for
most of her life. I do love these children and will do anything to
make sure they receive the love and care they need. I must admit that
these extra mouths to feed and clothe did create some stress. To add
to this stress, our “grown children” are always asking for
financial assistance. I lost my job when I received custody of these
children. Please don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets about this
switching of roles in my life but I did feel upset because of the
shortage of money to provide the little extras every child wants.
Now my cupboard is bare. I have a mountain of laundry and the sink
is full of dirty dishes. I admit I started feeling sorry for myself
and started complaining about my life situation. “Lord, show me
what I can do to provide what these children need. I love them and
want only the best for them. But am I what they need?”
Suddenly a peace came over me and I heard a whisper in my heart.
“Go for a walk.” I did not think I had heard right but I heard
the voice again. “Go for a walk.” “But God, I have too much to
do: I have dishes to wash, floors to sweep and mop and laundry to do.
Besides, the kids will be home in a few hours tired and hungry.”
“Go for a walk.” “OK, Lord,” I said as I began putting on my
walking shoes.
Wondering what I was supposed to learn, I started walking along a
route I had taken before. Suddenly about halfway through my walk, I
saw it. It was a beautiful flower growing through a crack in the
sidewalk. It was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. The
petals were a beautiful yellow color and reminded me of a ray of
sunshine. I looked around but did not see another flower like this
anywhere. It was then that God began to teach me the lesson He wanted
me to learn. “This is what I wanted you to see. That flower is
growing in a hard place but it is growing where the seed fell. It has
overcome obstacles like the hot sun beating down on it and people
stepping on it. Yet it is still here because I have taken care of it.
If I can take care of this flower, don’t you know that I will take
care of you? I know you feel overwhelmed at tines and feel as though
you are all alone. You are where I want you be at this point in your
life. Those kids need you. You are the person I picked that will
teach them about me. You are to be an example of my love and let them
see me through your life. Don’t worry. Just put your trust in me.
Whatever I ask of you, I will equip you. Remember, I do not call the
qualified. I qualify the called.” Suddenly, a peace came over me
and I knew I was fulfilling His plan for my life. I know that He will
be with me and give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish what He
wants me to do.
I went back home with reassurance that the dishes, the laundry,
the cooking and the cleaning are important because I am doing God’s
will by bringing up these children to know God and His love. Just
like that flower in the sidewalk, God will watch over me and give me
the strength to make it through each day. I know I am important in
the lives of these children and they are learning about God through
my love and care for them. I still get overwhelmed at times with
everything that must be done but I know the work I am doing is the
most important work that I can do. I can rest assured that what I am
doing today will be passed on through these children and they will
know God as their Father.
Today’s Whisper:
Do you get discouraged with your life’s work. Do you ever wonder
why you are doing what you are doing? Write about how your life seems
to be getting out of control and how a visit with God can set your
life on the right track. Just like the flower, we must bloom where we
are planted—whether it is as a stay at home mom or out in the work
world.
Today’s Prayer:
Father, help me to remember that you are in control of my life and
have placed me in the special life you want me to have. Don’t let
me forget that you can take care of that flower growing in that hard
place and you will always be there to take care of me. I love you and
trust you with my life and know that you will bless me while I am
doing your work. I know you have plans for my peace and happiness and
I claim that promise.
Amen
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